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Couple Gets Wedding Reception Do-Over

A Gloucester County couple got a second set of wedding pictures after re-doing their reception. Victoria Tumolo was dancing at her reception, when she had an allergic reaction and was rushed to the hospital. The caterer and the owner of the entertainment company gave the couple a complimentary second reception. (Published Monday, Nov. 27, 2017)

A New Jersey couple who had to leave their wedding reception early when the bride suffered an allergic reaction got a free do-over.

Victoria Tumolo told the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill she was dancing at the September reception when she became ill and started to have trouble breathing. As a nurse, she realized what was happening and soon her father was administering an EpiPen through her wedding dress.

"I had to take my dress off outside so they wouldn't cut it off me when we got to the hospital," Tumolo said, noting that her new husband, Dominic, and her mother took off her dress together.

"Not exactly what I was imagining for our wedding night," Dominic Tumolo said.

Sympathizing with the newlyweds' plight, their caterer and the owner of the entertainment company that performed at the wedding teamed up to offer them a complimentary second reception Sunday. The Tumolos said ahead of the do-over reception that at least 150 of the 250 guests who attended the first reception would be able to attend the second.

Volunteers did the bride's hair and makeup, and the wedding photographer also returned at no cost. The couple looked forward to finally cutting a wedding cake together, although the groom admited he may have naughty intentions.

"I'm thinking of cutting that cake and smashing it in her face," said Dom, 25, with a chuckle. "We've been trash talking like that for a while."

Victoria Tumolo said she's learned that she's allergic to milk and almonds, and that the symptoms manifest after exercise (in this case, dancing). She was treated and released, but the couple missed the rest of the reception.

"I wanted everyone to stay and have a good time," Victoria said. "There was a lot of confusion, and some people knew what was going on."